Then you understand where I am coming from. You take the Osgrey to the ball, I will find a maid for now. He said slowly.
Please Brydan you give me too much credit Val replies.
Ser Eisel shrugged. Alright Lady Athera. I see no problem with the Daynes. They rarely bothered the Oakhearts when my family was around so I had merely assumed those hostilities ended long ago. I have no problems with the Dornish. He seems completely collected.
Really? Huh, wouldn't have known. I was only nine. Mu father never had any complaints and no one attacked Lord Oahearts' while we were around. I suppose I was never there for the battles. Ser Eisel said respectfully. Regardless I fail to see how the past between the Houses should be a problem now. Besides my family isn't really part of Oakheart so we don't have that family grudge.
Brydan's mind began to churn. There were a number of ways he could possibly use this to his advantage if he played his cards right and very carefully. First though, he must figure out how they had planned to murder him. If he could figure that out, then he could find a way to falsely fall for the ruse and then come out the other side with the culprits in hand.
He shook his head, there was too much to think over to just work on the idea right here and now. "Do you wish to take off then to find said maid? I can gather the guard and patrol as you wished. You could even gather your own men and do the same." he offered.
He wanted to get Val alone for a brief bit and see if he couldn't find some way to discern how or what she had figured would have been how he'd die tonight.
Lord Tyrell shrugged. Please take my men for now. I should find a partner on my own. Bringing an army attracts the weird ones.
Brydan nods "Very well then, have your men join my own House's in the courtyard. I will be with them shortly and we will begin the patrol while I have young Val here accompany me. I have to have a few quick words with my family if I can find them before I begin going off on my own." he said simply.
If Lord Tyrell offers no offense to the suggestion, he takes Val with him back to the main hall to await his family. He will send a page to round up who he can in a semi quick manner.
Forgive me, but I doubt your family is effecting anything. It's more Targaryens versus Blackfyre. Ser Eisel replied calmly, with a slight smile. You are nice. At least so far. I'm still waiting for that Dornish ferocity or is that assuming too much
Lord Tyrell nods then leaves to find his date.
Time to get back to work. Start by investigating the tents where the tournament will be held. Might turn up something interesting, Oh and do be stealthy now. It is your job after all, Jackson thought as he himself left the tent.
Considering his words as Marcus gazes at the sky "That seems an offer that might bring a lot of power and support.... as well the wrath of the lords and ladies all over the realm."
Thinking for a while before continueing "I am a Northern, now in South lording my own House but still these schemings of.. southerns does annoy a bit. In North justice is swift, fair and right to everyone. I am merely just doing what I see right.. but I do not deny and people should know that I do not plan to stay low lord my life. I am for greater chances, ever to move forward. There is a reason why Starks are so famous and strong in the north... "Winter is coming" but what a funny notion as white will cover the earth in the end" and a hungry predator like smile appears on Marcus face
"What does this offer... exactly entail per say? I keep my words, I keep my deals but I will not be made fool or puppet."
Eisel fumbles for words for a second before smiling. I suppose that ferocity isn't something that should be so easily inquired after then. My apologies.
The hooded figured merely nods. It does not entail much. Merely that you consider a loyalty to your people above a loyalty to one of the other two dragons. We will be in the shadows, giving you a reputation. Support of the people could help with your lands own legal problems, and grant you more power than you have today.
Jackson whistled into the open air and called out to his raven. Nevermore, Follow! Now Jackson with his bird in tow, moved to find Lord Peake’s tent.
Looking at the man as Marcus pondered the decision until answering "I will take the mantle. I am lord of my people and my people shall prosper and feast.... but I am the ultimatum, I am the beginning and end. With me shall the third power raise and White dragon fly." states Marcus solemnly as he crosses his arms.
"Old Gods shall mark my words and only for them will I answer after my death. I shall be fair, I shall be just but those who cross my path I will show no mercy, lord or commoner alike. I take and do not give that is once mine... but they will never have to fear me.. this all I promise" Marcus finishes his speech as he locks his eyes with the man in white
Ser Eisel nods calmly. I will think on that Lady Athera.
A Blackbury soldiers comes running towards you. Lady Athera, Lord Blackbury there is something you should--
Oh come now, came a female voice. No need to panic, I was sent by my father after all.
Walking up to you is a young woman, perhaps Athera's age. She is in form-fitting leathers with twin daggers resting on her belt. Lady Athera, I believe your family just arrived. It may be smart to go visit. I believe they are at your castle. Lord Blackbury, I am Rya Hightower. My father sent me to show off our alliance and protect you from attacks in the shadows.
Dennith paused. Athera, Ser Thorn meet up with the other Daynes and go through with your plan.
Good Lord Grimwood. I shall let the others know, the stranger bows. The Brothers of the White Dragon shall be in contact. If you need any of us during this tournament, put your dragon statue on the table in your tent.
He lowers his hood enough to reveal a set of orange eyes. I shall go start to set up your reputation.
Suprisingly you run into Lord Peake on your way to the tent. Dog, he says politely. Lord Oakheart, Hightower, and Blackbury seem to be teaming up. We need too plan for them. Come with me.
Nodding to the words of the man and noticing the orange eyes, memorizing this interesting fact, Marcus turns around and prepares to leave before voicing one last question out
"Ah, before I forget... What are your plans for now or goals for the coming tournament? Even if I am for now Bannerhouse for the Blackbury house, I still will uphold the law and see that no harm will fall upon people." Hearing the man for his reason before deciding to back towards the compounds.
"and one last thing, commoners and peasants are always welcome to my lands as there is need for new people since change will come and I will need all the manpower I can muster. Reconstructing and building new houses and farms, to feed hungry mouths, are necessary for the plans I have in long term"
Three lords against you seems hardly fair. Jackson inquired as he followed Lord Peake.
You got here ten minutes ago, avoiding Osgrey men the best you could. Since then you have gotten to meet Athera's family, including her uncle Ulrych Dayne, Sword of the morning. Val filled you in on everything, including that she noticed he wasn't her father when he privately condemned gambling. She believes he was replaced by Lord Costaynes Mummer cousin. You remember from your research that there is, in fact, a mummer Costayane who supposedly died back in the rebellion.
Don't mind them. We have another problem. We have reason to suspect Lord Tyrell will be arriving at the party. I want you to find him and stall him by lodging a formal complaint against Hightower, Oakheart, and Blackbury for a breach of hospitality. That should stall him long enough to kidnap the Blackbury.
We plan on making you the House of the People. We have a man who we have placed into the Jousting part of the tournament. He isn't a knight, in fact, he couldn't have afforded the armor and lance had it not been for us. He is a farm boy who lost his family to bandits and decided to hunt them down. We found him after he beat the bandits that killed his family. He has some small fame in the Riverlands, but no title. He will be coming to talk to you shortly. He won't accept being a part of your House yet, but if he unseats an opponent and you offer it to him as a reward, he will join and others will flock to him. The stranger bows then fades away with the sudden appearance of smoke.
Ser Thorn escorts Athera to the castle, taking care to avoid any vengeful Peak men. When they arrive they see Brydan with a woman on his arm, along with several people in Dayne colors, including Ulrych the Sword of Morning. Before they can get close enough to talk a gray-haired man appeared with a woman on his arm. He waves to Brydan, but Eisel pauses.
Lord Tyrell, he calls out, bowing. I apologize for not finding you sooner. I have a debt to honor.
Not a problem Eisel. Is your debt to the madam ward? the man asked with a wink, bringing forth a slight blush from Eisel. How are you madam Dayne? I take it this noble Knight owes you his life?
Ulrych walks up to Eisel and nods. Please give your father my respects Ser Thorn. I know personally how much of a boon your family is to the seven kingdoms.
Is that a fact? says a commanding voice in a rather cheerful tone. All of you see a white haired, powerfully built man in plate mail approach the large group. In one hand he carries a large spiked mace, as easily as Brydan could carry a baby.
Brydan you notice Val has gone quiet and appears to be nervous with all of these powerful warriors and Lords around. Although you have no idea why everyone seems to be crowding around the man next to Athera. Even the Prince of Summerhall seems to have taken an interest in this plated man. This man looks like nothing special but seems to be some kind of suitor to Athera. Or that is what you can gather from Lord Tyrell's less than appropriate remark.
Ser Eisel bows to Maekar, just as a woman appears from behind the Targaryens shoulder. There you are Athera! she said, moving over to the young woman and giving her a powerful hug. Apologies for coming early. It seems that my husband took my threat of me leaving to the tournament on my own seriously and rushed us here.
I must ask since my sister cannot who is this boy you are with?
Ser Eisel and Maekar Targaryen seem to size each other up before the Targaryen man even looks at his niece. He gives Athera a massive bear hug, lifting her off the ground for a moment. Our meeting will have to wait a few minutes dear girl. I have an important meeting with Ser Thorn.[b]
The Targaryen then gives the young knight a hug, one which the knight responds in kind. There is a slight sound of metal clashing on metal before they release.
[b] So I finally get to meet one of the Thorns of the Reach. Would you do a dragon the honor of a duel? Maekar asks in a friendly tone. I wish to see your skill in person. My condolences about your father.
Ser Eisel nods. I would be honored to my Lord. Though my father would have been a better challenge for you than I shall prove to be.
Ulrych takes several steps backward, his face paling. Brydan.... he calls. Would you mind if I put Dawn in a safe place. I wish to conceal my presence until the Grand Melee.
Ahh, the perks of being me sometimes. It really is quite humorous. Jackson thought as he walked to find Lord Tyrell, with Nevermore flying above him.
Does she know anything of the Mummer cousin. Where was he buried if she knows, are the Costaynes here? and has there been any interaction that she has seen between the two houses? Also, she had mentioned others having possibly died by her "father's" machinations, did she witness this and if so how did they die? Were there any symptoms or staff changes around the time people started dying.
Brydan will carefully grill her for every detail he can get, after all it is his life he's got on the line. But he will do so politely.
Brydan mostly watched for the time being after having properly greeted and offered salt and bread to his allies and the like upon their arrival. He chatted lightly with the group, mentioning that their daughter should be along soon as he'd already sent a page after her before he knew of their arrival.
He tilts his head a bit at Ulrych's paling face. He didn't know of a good reason for the man to blanch amongst this company. "You may store Dawn in my room if you like, though I'm not sure if it's the safest place at the moment." he said smiling.
He wasn't sure if he would be breaking protocol to speak up with so many outranking him socially.
He cleared his throat all the same "I must say I would enjoy watching such a display as well, a sneak preview of why I should not bother entering into the Grand Melee." he said chuckling. "But before we wrest steel upon plate, might I have a moment to speak with you all in confidence. I wish not to worry my brother and I would enjoy a bit of advice from those who are smarter, longer lived, more worldly in the ways of politics and backstabbing."
Ulrych nods and takes off as if he doesn't want to see the two start the fight.
Lord Tyrell and Maekar both look at you as if remembering you were there. However, it is the Knight who accompanied Athera who reacted first, bowing. Hello my lord. I take it you are the younger Blackbury? I mean no disrespect to you, my lord. I am Ser Eisel Thorn. What is it that you would like to discuss?
The knights bowing seems to motivate the two Lords. Apologies Brydan, What is it you need help with? Lord Tyrell asks.
Please Blackbury, what is your request, I will aid in any way possible, Maekar responds.
Don't listen to my husband. He is a warrior, not a schemer. What is your problem, I can help better than he can, replied Maeker's wife. You must be one of the people who took care of Athera, so I would be honored too.
The Costaynes are definitely here. The mummer cousin was supposedly burned by the Ironmen. Val responds calmly as if she understands why you are asking. Yes, there have been many interactions. Peak, Costayne, and Osgrey are all very close. No one I know has died, but many smallfolk have gone missing since my father was replaced.
When addressed by Lord Tyrell Athera gave a graceful curtsy. "That is what had been said, I just believe I was in the right place at the right time." She told him.
"Aunt Dyanna!" Athera said with a gasp, she hugged the woman tightly before giving a bright smile. "Oh this is Ser Eisel Thr-" Athera's voice was cut short as Prince Maekar picked up the much smaller Dornish woman with ease, giving her a hug. "It is wonderful to finally meet you as well" She squeaked out before she was set down.
Athera seemed to let out a relaxing sigh when the two had been stopped. While she didn't mind the duel but right now... there was more to speak of. Though when Brydan spoke up the youngest Dornish woman got a worried look upon her face. She stepped foreword, close to her foster brother. "Brydan? Did something happen?" She asked as she raised her eyebrow, and he knew that look. It was the same look she'd use to get him to slip things he wouldn't normally tell his brother, mother, or father.
Brydan smiled at his foster Sister "Do not worry, I am not leaving you in the dark. Come please, lets at least sit. I feel it is time enough anyways for a meal and you all have traveled far and wide for our hospitality and I will show no lack of it." he said laughing a bit.
He ushered them inside and closed the main hall doors. Calling to the servants, he started up a somewhat lavish meal but still reasonably light given the wish for practice and what promises to be a heavy meal later this evening. He made sure some of the best wine was brought out, some dornish and some of the reach.
He smiled and toasted to them all "May we all become fat, happy, and old...well if we choose at least" he said smiling. Once though people had begun to eat he began his speech. "Please, eat while I offer up the first course of a curious situation I find myself in. Lady Osgrey here came to me today with her sister to pay homage to House Blackbury as per requested by her kind father. Is seemed though, it was a ruse to try and play a smiling and beautiful face against me in attempt to bring me to a ball this evening. One where I should die if Lady Osgrey is to be believed. A man, calling himself Lord Osgrey has set forth a plot to have me murdered, I'm assuming poison...and likely one with an antidote if he is to do it and not have an accident amongst so many others in company." he said still smiling about the whole thing as if the idea was hilarious in a manner.
"Given that Lady Osgrey for the kind and gentle soul that she is has learned of such a conspiracy, she saw it right to inform me of the plot. Now, given that it's my life in the balance I figured I best get serious about it and see if I can turn the tables on this Lord Osgrey." he said as he leaned back and grinned most mischievously. "Tell me, does anyone know of the man before the war...and of a Mummer of House Costaynes kin?" he asked curious to see if anyone might have any further information. "Oh, and please do not do anything rash...it is certainly not at that stage yet."" he said politely.
Musing over the words and letting out a laugh Hah, from a northern warrior to Lord in Southern House and now a farm boy approaching me wanting to be a knight... how fitting indeed, hahaha
Turning and beginning to walk back to his own area with measured steps, Marucs had a lot of things to think about Hm, I think it would be do good to not play as they want. Also for the this hedge knight to just appraoch me like that... lets amuse them and give him a chance going through his decision before his face darkened a bit but he will swear loyalty to me. It does not matter what he has gone through or done, he will serve me. Hm, give him the option to join me but offer the chance to affect and help others. We all need to start from somewhere
While musing Marcus arrived to his own personal tent area before a question popped up and his eyes burrowed with a thought Why come I have never heard of this "Brothers of White Dragon"? Also it seems House Leygood has some... connection and more deep going issues than I thought. Better to keep my eyes open and start to investigate myself
With these thoughts Marcus began to prepare his own tent area for the upcoming visit as he called his personal guards to prepare them regarding the visitor and lead him to his tent
Everyone seems to absorb the information as they eat. You notice that Maekar seems to have brought his own fork, one that seems massive compared to what you are used to but in his hand, it seems to be perfectly fitted to him.
It is Eisel who speaks first, seeming to break protocol. Lord Osgrey is an anointed Knight and Lord. As I recall he had a fault for gambling. If what you are saying is true then it is most likely an imposter, as I doubt the real Osgrey would stoop so low as to use poison. I have never heard of a mummer of Costaynes kin, but their family is the quite one of that particular alliance. There were rumors that Eustace had even died during the rebellion. But then that he had fallen back due to grievous injury.
The lords merely nod along with Eisel's assessment. Lord Tyrell picks up where the Knight finished. There were many rumors about at the time. Supposedly Costayne took an injury that left him unable to have any more kids. Even I supposedly lost a hand to a Spearman and his dog, but I seem to still have it. I brushed of Eustace's death as on of those fancy tales. Though the Costaynes most certainly had a mummer in the family. He was a good performer during the war. He never broke character in his performances. They got his burned corpse from the Ironmen I believe, though the Greyjoys seem to deny it. But there are many Ironmen crews out there.
Maekar shrugs. Beats me. This is my first time actually in the Reach and not just passing through it. Though if you are going to be murdered, might I suggest you bring your favorite weapon? Kill a few of those damn traitors while you are at it.
There is a lull as everyone goes back to eating before Maekar speaks again, this time to Ser Thorn. So Knight, apologize but since we are getting some time before the duel I must ask as it is my job. Please understand I mean you no disrespect but I get the feeling my wife would kill me if I did not ask. What are your intentions with my niece there?
Maekar chuckled a bit at his own question.
She saved my life Lord Targaryen. I must honor that action in kind. Ser Eisel replied.
A life debt you say? From what for? And are you sure it wasn't for her looks? Don't lie to me, Dyanna will find out. Seriously. It can be quite terrifying. The Prince of Summerhall replied.
Ser Thorn seemed to delve into thought. She saved my life from three Peak men who attacked me and my fellow knights as we wandered between the tents earlier today. While she is quite beautiful that is not my reasoning for honoring that action.
Maekar looked to his wife, who merely nodded back to him. I see then. Most interesting. If you are as good a fighter as you are honest I may find myself in a pickle.
The boy arrives surprisingly prompt, being escorted in by your guard, one of whom seems to have lost his helmet. The boy is dressed in mere rags and has a simple pitchfork in his hand. Hello Lord Grimwood. he says with a sincere bow. I was informed that I was to meet you but your guard seemed to be expecting someone else. I hope you do not mind that I had to challenge one.
Had you not been raised in the North you would have never known how strong manual labor such as farming could make a man. Sure everyone knows blacksmiths tend to be strong but farmers are often looked down upon. Yet this boy seems to be more than a tanned skinned well-muscled youth. He is holding his pitchfork as easily as a trained hedge knight would hold his sword.
After a ten minute walk through the encampments that have been made in anticipation of this tournament, you realize that you have no idea where Lord Tyrell could be. You know he has tents around here somewhere but they could be anywhere.
You figure that spending the hours it could take to find Lord Tyrell's tent would be cut drastically if you get to the castle and speak to the Maester who should have a chart of where everyone is. The trip the the castle would take 25 minutes
Eyeing the boy and his pitchfork Marcus is in deep thoughs before responding "Impressive, as I assume that you did it with the pitchwork you are currently handling most likely" giving out the compliment to acknowledge the boys deed
"However, I would like to just to inform you couple of things but before that please do handover your weapon of choice to my guard as I... do not look fondly upon openly drawn weapon as neither do any lord, as a tip for the future" commenting as he gauges the reaction before motioning the boy to sit next table
"Please eat and drink and know that you are welcome and will not be harmed under my "house" as you are my guest. Old habits do not die so fast" Marcus grins as he keeps watching the youngling
"and before we begin, what is your name so I may address you properly instead of calling "boy" and what do you want or rather, what are you seeking
Brydan started to eat as the others began to talk. He wasn't honestly hearing too much he did not already know or had come up with himself. He listened carefully all the same as he ate and even laughed a bit ate some of the more curious rumors they brought up.
When the topic moved on as if what he had brought up was nothing, he was perhaps a little offput at first but the subject changed to something that else was on his mind. Athera and this Knight that she brought along. He knew that he honestly wasn't too knowledgeable of the various knights of the kingdom, so it was no surprise he did not know of this man but the others seem to know him so he must be well know and of some decent caliber.
He choked slightly on a bit of bread at the prince's words and listened curiously to the answer the Knight offered. He patted his chest a bit. "Well then, Ser...Thorn was it? Then what do you wise to do, follow her and guard her till your life is taken or you've saved her the same? Or are you pledging more than just your sword to her?" he asked in a rather flat but curious tone.
Ser Eisel takes another bite of some summer squash before placing his silverware down. He took a sip of wine and proceeded to relax before answering. Please Forgive me, my Lords, I am about, to be honest. Without sparing any feelings here.
Please speak up then, Maekar laughed.
Will do Prince. Now Brydan was it? What I wise to do happens to be something any true knight should do. Athera has saved my life, and the lives of two and a half peak men. They had jumped me and my fellows as we were on our way to give direct greeting to your brother. Some of my fellow men even died in that conflict. Funny how it was Athera who jumped in along with another word of yours, while what is it you did per say? To my knowledge, you spent your time with a lady discussing a threat on your life.
Ser Thorn takes another sip of wine, his face remaining calm and collected, his tone never changing from a peaceful banter. If you mean to imply I would abuse my oaths and life debt to bed Lady Athera you would be wrong. For no other reason than it is against my own oaths and beliefs. I understand this would be hard to imagine for a pampered lordling of the Reach who could be with any woman he so chooses, but some of us men in the Reach choose a different path. Despite Lady Athera's beauty, my guardianship is that. Guardsmanship. I would never use my position to impose upon a lady. I believe that answers your question.
Everyone is speechless for a second before Leo Tyrell speaks up. I think he may have been wondering if you enjoyed the poor girl's company. Not whether you wanted to abuse your position with her.
Then why didn't he simply ask that? Ser Eisel said with a straight, nonhostile face.
With that Maekar burst into laughter, destroying the remaining silence.
He seemed almost too calm for your tastes. Either this guy is the purest knight you could ever think of or he is a skilled enough talker to rival some of the greatest speakers. Though you feel a safer bet is that this guy is that pure and honorable. You are mildly flustered and may lose a word or two in your response but otherwise are completely fine. Just ignore the sweating. :P
Brydan felt he was just lectured as if he was purposefully ignorant at a worship of the seven. His cheeks flushed ever so briefly but his demeanor and his smile never really left his lips. "Forgive me, I feel I may have insulted you slightly with my words. Indeed, my intentions lie more with Lord Tyrell's summation of my questioning. I do say that I find the coloring of nobility's practices to be mostly spot on. Though I hope that I can at least claim myself to be better than most of my peers..." he said smiling.
"I will not try to feign knowledge into the ways of the knights and your code of honor. The life was not chosen for me, nor would I have likely chosen it. With the fact that my brother was more of the swordsman and jouster compared to me stepping back and settling for the bow and training to become a Master of cats given my choice in animals?I do however appreciate your honesty and your valor towards my dear ward. She has a bad habit of tripping and falling into trouble much like myself and I value a second set of eyes and hands keeping her out of danger." he said finishing, hoping that his words and demeanor was better offered to the knight.
He cursed slightly inside his head at the purity of this man but no longer worried about him as a suitor.
"Also I would like to point out that I am in the room." Athera stated as she crossed her arms, leaning back a bit in her seat. "If you're going to talk circles around me be kind enough to let me leave the room hmm?" She said with a small smile. "I do not fall into trouble dear Brydan, it just seems to find me." She offered a small shrug as she smiled.
"Now that we have that settled, might we get back to the matter at hand? I believe there was some talk of Lord Osgrey not being Lord Osgrey? Or we can talk about the bandits that I believe Ser Eisel wished to go after? Uncle Maekar may wish to hear about that Eisel."
My name is Joeff my lord. he says, handing you the pitchfork. He takes a seat at your request. I don't know what I want. I was told to show up here to help you, my lord. I was also told not to accept being in your house until I unseated somebody.
Maekar starts laughing as Athera brings up the fact she is here. You really are related to Dyanna. Although Eisel there only talked about himself. Now, what is this about bandits?!
I was going to head out with other allies of the Blackburys to hunt down bandits. Perhaps Ulrych could come as well. It would be a distraction tactic, get the enemy focused on the fact this House is still able to deal with issues like those with a major tournament happening the day after tomorrow. While showing off Blackbury's alliances. Ser Eisel replied. My original thought would have been to bring Athera to show an implied alliance with the Daynes, although she didn't seem to eager.
Count me in you knight, Maekar said. We can leave after our duel
Leo nodded. Meanwhile Brydan, Val, Tessa here, and maybe even Athera can go to this party, showing off yet another alliance. Plus it would help stop Brydans possible death.
Humming to himself as various thoughts crossed his mind but deciding to leave most of them aside for now "Joff, I see. AS they said it is wise choice indeed to not accept.... if I were to offer a position in my house to you. There are couple of factors however which I want to make clear and I am unsure what your other benefactors have told you Marcus dediced to make the conversation promt and direct
"As I understood you are from farm but that is not an obstacle and as I see, you are quite strong one for your age. How old are you exactly?" Asking the Joff as Marcus eyebrows raised a bit
"To go to the point and safe us from the flowery language and unnecessary speaking: I will want to see you unseath at least one person in the tournament and I will offer you place in my House. Unseathing more than one and advancing further... may reap more benefits to you and I may consider what powers I will give you and what you may do" as the words left Marcus mouths, his eyes harneded and received a steel like expression
"I have heard of your background but that does not exluded you from some of the things. You will be taught and you will learn, if you were to succeed. Your loyalty... will be for me, no one else. You should realise the seriousness and the weight on these actions as well what these promises entitle. You will have power far greater than you could have imagined and all that will be for your use. I will help the people and they shall prosper under me but. I. am. the Lord. There is no other parties or side businesses" the voice of Marcus hardening in the end.
"Let the other fight, let the others have their petty parties and squabbles. I will make my lands envy of everyone, paradise for men and women and I will need people to help with that.... but those are my lands. There will be no questioning".
"I'm not near the warrior you, uncle Maekar, and uncle Ulrych are. However when it comes to parties I'm more deadly than any of you are upon the battle field." Athera stated, her grin still upon her lips. "Though what is this party for? Is it this evening?" She asked.
Brydan raises a brow at the talk of bandits. This was not a common occurrence for the lands if he was not mistaken. "I thought we had run all the bandits out of the lands. It seems I've been mistaken, to think they would have the gall to attempt anything during such times." he said looking most not amused.
He looked at the others. "I take it I would most likely only be a burden were I to join you in attempting to take care of the bandits? I suppose it might be fore the best I stay uninjured for showing up to the Osgrey party this evening." he said not really smiling at the moment.
He looked over and while it was not the first time he noticed Tessa, it was the first time she had been introduced. "Ah, Tessa...we have a name to join the beautiful face presented to us by Lord Tyrell. It is wonderful to have you join us today, please forgive all the drama this is not the typical welcoming I assure you." he said smiling politely at her.
Brydan turned to Athera "You plan to come to the banquet this evening? I assume you have plenty of finery to choose from for such an occasion. Planning to drag Ser Thorn along?" he said smiling.
"Though yes I do have a gown in mind. Mother recently sent it to me and I haven't had a good reason to wear it." Athera stated with a slight smile as she ran her middle finger around the rim of her wine glass. "If you do not mind I would like to go to this banquet." She smiled slowly. "I may even go un-escorted, though if you'd allow dear Brydan I would like to take Tempest with me. At least while my new guardsmen is out dealing with bandits?" She asked as she raised an eyebrow.
Brydan raised a brow at her words. "I suppose it would be poor taste for me to show up the Lord of the Reach by bringing a woman on each arm to this evenings festivities. Besides, I doubt the Blackfyre supporters would be pleased to see me show up not only with the Heiress of one of their Houses but with a Dornish lady upon my other arm." he said trying to give Lord Tyrell a bit of a jest.
He turned towards Athera "You have my leave to take her this evening, I'd planned to take her myself anyways. Do make sure she watches her manners and you don't feed her any scraps...Poor Tempest already has to go on a jog through the countryside once a day as is." he said smirking a bit.
He looked towards the others "If you can, please bring back a prisoner or two. It would do the smallfolk some good to see them publicly executed for their crimes. But do not take risks of your health, I'll not have you lot be maimed or die upon my lands...my brother would kill me." he said light heartedly.
I understand that completely lord. Joff says. Anything else?
"No. This has been concluded in my opinion. Those in power and high give commands and those lower obeys. Simple but effective but fair? Depends on the lord whom everyone is serving at that moment."
Looking at the eyes of Joff "Just a small question from my side...What would ýou want if you were to succeed in your test? What are your goals"
Jackson arrives to open the door as Brydan finishes his sentence.
The Targaryen merely nods and stands up. Ser Eisel, he says with a smile. Maekar draws his weapon. I believe it is time for our duel.
Ser Eisel nods, and draws his white blade. I agree my lord,